Transport

Flights to and from Phuket

Bangkok - Phuket
Thai Airways has ten to twelve daily direct flights from Bangkok to Phuket, making it the most flown route. Almost all departures are around noon and in the afternoon (tourists don’t like to travel in the early mornings). While departure times might change every 6 months, the changes are likely to be minimal while the frequency is basically maintained. Flight time is around 1:15hr. The price of a one-way ticket is about 2000 Baht.

Phuket - Bangkok
Thai Airways has eleven to thirteen daily non-stop flights from Phuket to Bangkok. Departures are in about equal intervals between 8:00 and 20:00. Flight time is around 1:15hr. The price of a one-way ticket is about 2000 Baht.

For more information on flight timetables etc. telephone the department you require as follows: International Flights: (Bangkok) 5351111, Domestic Flights:(Bangkok) 5351253, Arrivals: (Bangkok) 5351301 and Departures: (Bangkok) 5351386.

International Flights

Phuket has international connections with Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Departure tax

Domestic flights charge 30 Baht and International flights, 500 Baht.

Provincial Flights to/from Bangkok

Phuket - Chiang Mai/Chiang Mai - Phuket Thai Airways has non-stop flights from Phuket to Chiang Mai four times a week. Departure times might change occasionally but they are minimal while the frequency is still maintained. Flight time is around 2:05hrs.

Phuket - Hat Yai/Hat Yai - Phuket Thai Airways has one to two daily non-stop flights from Phuket to Hat Yai.  Flight time is around 45min.

Phuket - Koh Samui/Phuket - Samui Bangkok Airways has two flights daily from Phuket to/from Koh Samui. Flight time is 40min.

Phuket - Krabi/Krabi - Phuket There are a number of flights to/from Krabi and Phuket. Flight time is 20 mins.

Phuket - Nakhon Si Thammarat/Nakhon Si Thammarat - Phuket Thai Airways has a direct flight from Phuket to Nakhon Si Thammarat three times a week. There always is a stopover at Surat Thani. Flight time is around 1:40hr.

Phuket - Surat Thani/Surat Thani - Phuket Thai Airways has one non-stop flight daily from Phuket to Surat Thani. Flight time is around 35min.

Phuket - Trang/Trang - Phuket Thai Airways has a non-stop flight from Phuket to Trang twice a week. Flight time is around 40min.

Buses from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal on Pinklao - Nakhon Chaisi Road (in Thonburi); 891km, 165 Baht, 7:30, 9:50, 15:05, 17:00, 18:45, 20:30, 22:30; aircon 299 Baht, 18:45, 18:50; VIP 379 Baht, 17:30, 18:00.

Although there are buses, the most popular form of ‘bus’ transport in Phuket, are songtaews or bus/trucks. These vehicles, painted bright blue in Phuket are easily identifiable. They travel on most of the main routes and as there are no ‘true’ bus stops can be flagged down at any point along its route. These buses are cheap, being anything from 10 Baht (U.S. 25 cents) for a short trip to about 40 Baht for a lengthier journey.

TIP: For the truly adventurous traveller: Songtaews inter-connect and one can travel at great lengths throughout the country for very little.

Tuk-tuks, small mini-vans, are a common mode of transport. These like the rest of the public transport on the island, can be hailed anywhere along a particular route. Within the city of Phuket, fares range between 20 and 40 Baht (U.S. 50 cents to U.S.$1.00). Outside the town, the price is negotiable and it’s a good idea to agree on the fare before you climb in.

Motorcycle taxis are everywhere. Easy to find, they hang around most of the busier intersections and along most roadsides on the island. Again it is wise to sort out the price before departure. A trip anywhere within the boundaries of Phuket town is 20 Baht (U.S 50 cents).

Car and jeep rental is reasonably priced and readily available. It is one of the best ways to see the area. Check that the vehicle you are hiring is covered by insurance. Unless hiring from a reliable source you may find it isn’t and as it is the driver’s responsibility to pay all damages if there’s an accident, you may be in for a nasty surprise.

Motorbike rental shops are easy to find and the bikes cheap to hire. Insurance cover is not available for motorcycles and any damages incurred along with medical bills are your responsibility. Renting a bike on Phuket may cost you your life rather than a few Baht though. The motorbike accident rate on the island was more than 10,000 in 1999 and nearly 200 of those were fatal.

Train There is no rail service to Phuket. The nearest major railway stations are at Surat Thani (6 hours northeast by road, 25 minutes by air) and Hat Yai (8 hours southeast by road, 20 minutes by air).

Boat to/from Phuket/Krabi There is a direct boat service to/from Phuket/Krabi daily. The boat, leaves Phuket each morning at 08.30 each morning and arrives at Ao Nang Beach (south-west of Krabi Town) about 2 hours later. It returns to Phuket in the afternoon at 15.00 and the service includes a free shuttle service to Phuket Town. Tickets can be bought at the Ao Nang Tourist Centre, telephone 075+637730 or contact Phuket telephone: 076+232040 - 1. The cost is 350 baht one way.)

NOTE: The above timetables and costs are a guide only as schedules and prices may change